When Nike started using the expression “Just Do It’ as their slogan, I was already a Swoosh convert. Nevertheless, the advertisements really resonated with me because until recently, I have never been a “Just Do It” person. It wasn’t so much the feeling that I could put it off until tomorrow that was the issue, it was more the feeling of “Just Don’t It Because [insert myriad of reasons here]”. I’d like to think that my thinking was because risk analysis and mitigation are part of my profession and sometimes it’s hard to turn off the attributes on which you rely 40+ hours a week. However, I’m not going to let myself off the hook that easily.
About four or so years ago something changed in outlook and my default position went from “Why Do It?” to “Why Not Do It?”. Perhaps it was the feeling of time passing by or that I finally found where my confidence resided. Now I’m determined to have more JDI moments as I call them. This is not to say that those JDI moments need to be inherently physically risky – I have no desire to try extreme bubblegum blowing, bungy jumping or extreme extremism – but living a totally safe and comfortable life is no longer for me. Not at the moment, anyway.
Is this what it means to have a midlife crisis?
I’m not sure about the answer to that question, but if a crisis is what it takes to move away from the paralysis of analysis and by default adopting the negative position for more abundant caution then I say bring it on. Don’t get me wong, I’m certainly appreciative of the ability to reason and think things through with which I was bestowed. It’s just that the calibration of that ability sometimes requires adjustment.
Some people want to go through life knowing they always pursued the smartest course. Bested by none, never being ripped off, never stumbling and duly diligent. If that’s what works for you, then wonderful. From my observations though, it is those who are fleet of foot and less concerned about examining every facet of every consequence that inherit the earth. True it is, they might not get it right every time and let’s face it we all have to live with the consequences of our decisions, but how many of us close ourselves off because we simply don’t contemplate applying the JDI philosophy at times? I shudder to think how many opportunities have passed me by, because I was unwilling to take a small risk.
Now kids, I’m not advocating that you start taking huge risks and please don’t try that at home. More a balancing of our adult intellect with the childlike quality of wonder and amusement. Sometimes we need to heed that child voice and tell the adult one that things will be OK or that if not, both the adult and the child can handle what is likely to come. There will also always be washing to do, a house which needs cleaning, a drive that is just that bit too far away or an expectation of another person to be met. There won’t always be tomorrow, a better time or another opportunity. As they say, there is no someday in the week, only Monday through to Sunday.
I have this hanging on my fridge
Just like there is glass half full thinking, so too there is JDI thinking.
May we all open ourselves to a world of opportunity and in some small way, the concept of JDI thinking.
Today I give myself permission to just do it!
Raising the Curtain 
“risk analysis and mitigation are part of my profession”—So I’m guessing you’ve done a few SWOT analyses in your time? 😉
My JDI is to get an EPub of my poetry and short stories… I have the time and have to stop making excuses. Brilliant post as usual my friend x
No risk, no reward. Risk doesn’t have to be jumping out of the airplane. I’ve become a little closed over the past couple months, out of disappointment and fear – places I don’t typically go. I need to snap out of it, and just do it. Thanks. 🙂
snap, Judy. Great minds think alike. Some times, you’ve just to do it, otherwise you will never know! 🙂
Awwwww, Go ahead and J–U–S–T doooooooooooIT!
It’s easy to dilute enthusiasm with waiting too long. It’s better to at least try to do something and fail than to end up with a life full of regrets and regret that you didn’t take chances that might have amounted to something. I like the “Just Do It” attitude.
Lee
A Faraway View
An A to Z Co-host blog
Wonderful post! 🙂 Thanks for the inspiration! I’m stopping in from the A to Z Challenge! Nice to meet you. 🙂
I agree–life is too short to put off what’s important and makes your heart sing.
Jagoda
http://www.conflicttango.com
I can’t tell you how many times I have to tell myself JDI. I would be the first one to give the big “ok” to someone else, but me…oh no. I’ve been working on this over the past year and I must say every time I did Do It I had the best of times. I highly recommend Just Doing It!
Judy, someone once told me “there are plenty of people with good ideas, but very few who will get up out of their chair and go do them.” I believe this to be true. Just do it and tell us how it went. All the best, BTG
This was a great reminder. We are certainly “just doing it” right now — and hopefully it will pay off! Happy J Day!
tm
You top the level of how-much-I-can-relate-to-your-blog every day!! I have been a control freak ever since, professionally paranoid as a security consultant and concerned with assessing and mitigating risks.
But after I actually started envying people whom the economic crisis had forced to make change and take a leap of faith I gave myself the same permission.
Just do it yes but don’t be crazy. though my main character who never took risks and played it safe which didn’t get her anywhere finally took a risk – and is glad she did!
I need to just do it when it comes to trying to sell my jewelry and crafts but I’m so afraid of rejection that I haven’t. BTW I love your background design!!! So pretty! 🙂
I have no fear in taking risks. However, could stand to have some. I have been cost much because I wasn’t more discerning. It’s been an adventure. I don’t have a lot of regrets, but it has been costly.
Dropping by from A to Z. This is my first year participating.
Brett Minor
Transformed Nonconformist
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